By PR | 08:08 PM October 22, 2023
The worst earthquake in recent history has only spurred efforts and initiatives to rebuild cultural heritage structures that were destroyed in Bohol.
Panelists during The Capitol Reports edition on Oct. 20 gave different perspectives but shared this common observation while reflecting on the 10th anniversary of the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck Bohol in 2013 and its impact on the people’s way of life, culture and religion.
National Museum Bohol head Rachelle Lacea recalled that days after the earthquake, the Bohol Heritage Task Force was formed and assigned to initiate an assessment of damages especially to century-old churches.
Lacea noted that the rebuilding process took a lot of comprehensive studies and technical consultations with experts leading to the commencement of reconstruction in 2016 with the help of national volunteers, cultural agencies, and local stakeholders.
“It is very important to the cultural heritage of Bohol because it speaks of who we are as Boholanos,” Lacea said, signifying the importance of the restored churches.
Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Gerardo Saco Jr., Immaculate Heart of Mary parish priest, made a little-known and interesting revelation.
He said majority of the rebuilding of the Maribojoc Church was due to the efforts of the drug surrenderers in 2016.
This was corroborated by Fr. Efren Dolauta, diocese of Tagbilaran liaison officer, noting that the diocese also gave a fair share of efforts, especially in collaborating with the government and the national museum.
For her part, Vida Tirol-De Juan, Center for Culture and Arts Development project development officer, expounded on the efforts of the office in promoting awareness and safeguarding tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
She added that the office focused on the preservation and conservation of Bohol through partnerships with the National Museum and the Department of Education.
Envisioned in the Strategic Change Agenda, the preservation and conservation of the Boholano cultural heritage amidst natural disasters is a priority under the administration of Gov. Aris Aumentado and Vice Gov. Dionisio Victor Balite. (PIMO/JSS)
